KYIV, Ukraine, Jan 3, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Ukraine is hosting security advisers for crunch talks on Saturday as Kyiv insists negotiations are zeroing in on a deal, while Russia claims a deadly New Year strike torpedoed the efforts. Russia captured the most Ukrainian land last year since launching its all-out invasion in 2022, an AFP analysis showed. Russia made its biggest advance in 2025 in November -- 701 square kilometres -- whereas the 244 square kilometres it gained in December was the smallest since March, the data showed. Zelensky also recently named Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov to head his presidential office. "At this time, Ukraine needs greater focus on security issues, the development of the Defence and Security Forces of Ukraine, as well as on the diplomatic track of negotiations," Zelensky said.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 03, 2026 05:49 UTC